Why should I pay for a permit? What value does applying for a permit add to my project? Do I need a permit for this particular project? Why do I need to pay for a permit to do my own work on my property? These questions may be on your mind if you are considering starting a new home improvement project, adding an addition, finishing a basement, or building a garage. While our permit fees are on a sliding scale, on a large project these fees can add up quickly. So, what am you investing in?

We have three goals when issuing a permit.

A permit is an opportunity to review with the Building Official and Planning Office whether your project violates any local development codes. Do you know your setback requirements? Parking requirements? Height limitations? These are an example of a few questions that need definitive answers. If a project commences without proper review, the town my require the project to be removed. A permit is verification that the proposed build is in compliance with WMC Chapter 18.

A permit is an opportunity to review your construction plans with the Building Official. Will your addition adversely affect your current truss/rafter rated loading? Do you have a sufficient footing? Does your residence have the required ventilation? Before money is invested into building materials and/or site preparation, it is your responsibility to ensure that your proposed structure is capable of being completed as you have designed it. A permit is verification that the project may be completed with the specifications and materials that you budgeted for your project.

Ultimately your permit is proof of value should you choose to capitalize on your investment in the future. As a prospective home buyer looking at a home with a freshly remodeled bath, what questions would you like to ask? When was this bathroom updated? Did a licensed contractor perform the work? Was moisture-proof wallboard used? Was the tile underlayment waterproofed? Being able to answer these questions confidently, with proof in hand will pay dividends when the time comes to upgrade your home to one with a bigger yard, or two extra baths. One common miscue I observe, is that once the permit is purchased, the permit holder fails to follow through with making sure the permit is completed. It is the permit holder’s obligation to request inspections when required, and to request a Certificate of Occupancy or Completion when the project is finished. A permit is verification that the Building Official has approved the project, but the Certificate of Occupancy/Completion (CO) proves that the work was completed according to code. As a contractor it is your responsibility to your client to ensure that the permit is completed and the homeowner has a copy of the CO in hand when you close the contract. As a homeowner, it is your right to verify with your contractor that they have a permit, required inspections are completed, and to request a CO before final payment on a contract.

So yes, your permit is a valuable asset to any construction project. As with all investments, your attention to detail and commitment to following through the required steps, determine just how valuable this resource will be to you. If you have any additional questions, please reach out to our office and we will be ready to help you find the answers you are looking for.

Based on Section R105.2 of the 2021 IRC as adopted and amended by the Town of Wheatland.

Work exempt from permit.

Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the 2021 IRC or any other laws or ordinances of the Town of Wheatland. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

1. Other than storm shelters, one-story detached accessory structures, provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
2. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
3. Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
4. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and are not part of an accessible route.
5. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
6. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
7. Swings and other playground equipment.
8. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.
9. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the required egress door.

Electrical:

1. Listed cord-and plug connected temporary decorative lighting.
2. Reinstallation of attachment plug receptacles but not the outlets therefor.
3. Replacement of branch circuit overcurrent devices of the required capacity in the same location.
4. Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

Gas:

1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
3. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliances.
2. Portable ventilation appliances.
3. Portable cooling units.
4. Steam, hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative coolers.
7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.
8. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Plumbing:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.

Emergency repairs:

1. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the building official.

Based on Section 105.2 of the 2021 IBC as adopted and amended by the Town of Wheatland.

Work exempt from permit.

Exemptions from permit requirements shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the 2021 IBC or any other laws or ordinances of the Town of Wheatland. Permits shall not be required for the following:

Building:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet.
2. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids.
3. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1.
4. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and are not a part of an accessible route.
5. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.
6. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural, not included service systems.
7. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

Electrical:

1. Repair and Maintenance: Minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.
2. Temporary testing systems: A permit shall not be required for the installation of any temporary system required for the testing or servicing of electrical equipment or apparatus.

Gas:

1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

Mechanical:

1. Portable heating appliance.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. hot- or chilled-water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any part that does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less.

Plumbing:

1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures.

Emergency Repairs:

1. Where equipment replacements and repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, the permit application shall be submitted within the next working business day to the building official.